Chile's Lithium: Government Plans to Raise $350 Million over Next 20 Years

The Chilean government plans to raise about $350 million over the next 20 years through a tender process for a special lithium-production contract, locally known as CEOL, Deputy Mining Minister Pablo Wagner told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday.

U.S. GAS: Prices Hit Fresh 7-Month High After Inventory Data

Natural-gas futures prices rose to a fresh seven-month high just shy of $3 per million British thermal units on Thursday after government data showed U.S. gas inventories rose by less than expected last week.

Manufacturing Taxes Hearing Bogs Down in Partisanship

It was supposed to be a hearing about manufacturing and how to lower the 35% U.S. corporate tax rate but by the time the House Ways and Means Committee hearing ended, factory executives had been drawn into a partisan fight over whether U.S. companies are paying their fair share of taxes.

Brazil Mobile Phone Firm Claro First to Deliver Spending Plans

Brazilian mobile phone operator Claro on Thursday said it has delivered an investment plan to the government just one day after being banned from selling new lines in Brazil's wealthiest and most populous state for poor quality of service.

Ecuador, Kinross Close to Deal on Fruta del Norte Gold Deposit

QUITO, Ecuador--Canada's Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC, K.T) is close to reaching a deal with the Ecuadorean government over the Fruta del Norte gold deposit, Eduardo Flores, the company's vice president in Ecuador, said Thursday.

Brazil Berates Chevron for Frade Oil Spill, But Production to Restart

Brazil's oil regulator on Thursday laid heavy criticism on U.S. oil company Chevron Corp. (CVX) for an oil spill at an offshore field last November, but said it has no objections to the firm restarting production.

Anadarko Shelves Brazil Sale Process -FT

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC) has shelved the sale process for its Brazilian assets, the Financial Times reported Thursday.

OIL FUTURES: Crude Surges 3.1% on Latest Iranian Flare-Up

Crude oil surged 3.1% higher Thursday on renewed fears about Middle East tensions following the latest flare up between Israel and Iran.